HOW TO SURVIVE DRY JANUARY

After a drink filled month like December, everyone is dying for a little balance, both mentally and physically. Bottles were uncorked and opened with the greatest of ease during the past few weeks, but can we close them as easily? Dry-January is becoming more and more popular as a way to start the new year off in a clear, fresh way and to prove to the world that you really can put those drinks aside. Yet we all know just how hard abstaining for a month can be. Here are five tips and tricks to ease you through an alcohol free January.

1. Find a partner in crime
No, it’s not too late. Monday is when life really starts again so why not your alcohol free month too? Great story right? Find a girlfriend, colleague or loved one prepared to join you through the month so you can encourage and motivate each other.

2. Count those calories
Calculate how many calories you are saving yourself in January, just for fun. If you had a drink every day in December, you probably had at least 2500 calories extra. Add a few hefty dinners and drinks and that turns into around 750 to 1250 calories per evening, which you’ll be escaping now.

3. Plan!
Leave nothing to chance this month, rather plan your social life in carefully. Turn drink and dinner dates into coffee and lunch appointments instead, and meet up at the gym in the morning instead of at the bar for gin & tonics.

4. Become the BOB
Simply cannot escape parties and get togethers? Become the BOB and drive your tipsy friends home. This way you’ll be forced to behave and you’ll build up credits for the future, for when you want a drink.

5. Spoil yourself
A whole month of abstinence is hard work. It can be anti social or just very boring. So set yourself a goal for the future, to reward yourself with if you are successful. That slightly too expensive scented candle, that fabulous bag or a great big bottle of something.